As directors we are professionals in the early education field and we have to stay up to date on the new policies, and learning theories related to our field. Not only do we need to stay current on early education but we also need to continue to grow as leaders and managers. I am a firm believer in continuing education regardless of the field you are in. Not one of us is perfect or all-knowing, so therefore we all have room to grow and improve. Attending trainings or classes is not a sign of weakness or lack of knowledge in fact it is a sure sign of a good leader.
The moment you stop learning, you stop leading.
~ Rick Warren
Develop a passion for learning. If you do you will never cease to grow.
~Anthony J. D’Angelo The College Blue Book
Quotes found at http://home.att.net/~quotations/learning.html
There are several ways that you can continue your education. You do not have to enroll in college classes every year to stay current in your position, although I would recommend taking a few to keep current. You can continue your own education by reading more books, education journals, and talking with other professionals in your field.
Here in WV, we are required to take a certain amount of training hours specific to professionalism and management. The trainings can be from a state certified trainer, or through conferences offered throughout the year. The WV STARS Registry is a helpful tool in keeping up with your training hours. Here is their link in case you are a new director in WV or would like to see how it works: http://www.wvearlychildhood.org/stars.asp.
Continuing your education is vital to keeping your credentials up to date but it also reflects well on your business. Which would you rather have as a director of your child’s daycare; an individual that knows very little about child development or an individual that is considered an expert? I would pick the expert.
